DENVER (AP) β A Mexican man who has been living in a Denver church basement to avoid deportation says he is prepared to stay as long as it takes to gain the freedom to live in the U.S.
Arturo Hernandez, who is a contractor, has been granted sanctuary at the First Unitarian Society of Denver. Immigration officials say they do not pursue people wanted for immigration violations into sensitive areas like churches unless they have committed serious crimes.
Hernandez said the United States should welcome people willing to work hard, even if they are in this country illegally.
Hernandez acknowledges he got into a scrape with another contractor while laying floor tile. He was arrested and then acquitted when he went to trial. The deportation order came after his arrest, and he was ordered expelled from the country earlier this month.
Hernandez left his wife and two children and moved into the church basement Tuesday. His family comes to visit almost every day.
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